Meru-based swimmer Adia Mwende dominated the Nairobi County Swimming Association Level One Championships held at Kiota School over the weekend.
Competing in the girls’ seven-year and under category, Mwende delivered a flawless performance, winning gold in all her events. She clocked 28.80 seconds in the 25m breaststroke, 25.23 in the 25m backstroke, 22.14 in the 25m butterfly, and 19.29 in the 25m freestyle.
She also won the 100m individual medley in 1 minute 56.17 seconds and topped the 50m freestyle in 43.04 seconds. Notably, she shaved 7.38 seconds off her previous time in the 100m individual medley, a testament to her dedication and endurance.
Mwende broke meet records in the 25m butterfly, 25m freestyle, and 50m freestyle, earning her the title of overall best female swimmer in her age group. Her outstanding performance drew applause from parents, coaches and officials.
Nairobi County Swimming Association Chairperson Teddy Wamunyu praised the young star, calling her “a jewel in swimming” and noting the significance of her rural background.
“It’s the first time we’ve seen a swimmer from a rural area dominate at this level,” he said.
Her coach, Alex Kaindi, said her talent was first spotted at age four during the PIPSSA Kenya Gala in Nanyuki.
“Our dream is to see her reach the Olympics and achieve ‘A’ times. With her commitment and the support from her parents, that goal is very possible,” he said.
Meanwhile, Nigeria has confirmed participation in the upcoming Africa Aquatics Zone 3 Championship, becoming the 10th nation to join the three-day event set to begin Thursday at Kasarani Aquatics.
Other countries include Benin, Sudan, Somalia, Eritrea, Burundi, Uganda, Tanzania, Ghana and hosts Kenya, which will field two teams.
Africa Aquatics President Diop Mohammed is expected to attend alongside other dignitaries. Nigeria will be led by 17-year-old Abdul Jabra Adama, who won silver in the 100-meter breaststroke at the World Aquatics Junior Championships in Budapest in August.
Local Organising Committee chairman Heize Kahindo confirmed that preparations are nearly complete, with teams expected to arrive between Monday and Wednesday.
“We are putting the final touches on the championship,” said Kahindo.
